[Verse 1] Dear almost-me, the painter in the spare room, The pilot with a paper map folded in his coat, The one who learned three languages for leaving, The one who stayed and kept the kettle warm. I kept your names in boxes by the window, Each one deserved a life, a door, a key; I’m not ashamed of any road you wanted— I’m choosing one, and asking it to choose me. [Pre-Chorus] So I’ll write your names in the margin, Not a verdict, not a debt; You were real enough to dream of, I just haven’t lived this yet. [Chorus] Goodbye to the people I could have been, I’ll carry your courage, not the might-have-beens. One pair of hands, one life to begin— I’m giving this version a chance to get in. Goodbye, not because you weren’t worthy; Goodbye, I’m here, and the day is still early. [Verse 2] Dear almost-me, who took the train at twenty, Who signed the lease above the corner store, Who made a film that nobody had asked for, Who knocked, then knocked again, at one more door. I see your brave face in the bathroom mirror, A little older now, but still sincere; I won’t call your wanting wasted or mistaken— You helped me find the life I’m standing here in. [Pre-Chorus] So I’ll write your names in the margin, Leave the paper where it can breathe; You were real enough to dream of, Now make room for what I need. [Chorus] Goodbye to the people I could have been, I’ll carry your courage, not the might-have-beens. One pair of hands, one life to begin— I’m giving this version a chance to get in. Goodbye, not because you weren’t worthy; Goodbye, I’m here, and the day is still early. [Bridge] No door slammed, no names erased, No old dream sent away in disgrace. You can rest; I’ll take the turn. I’ll make this one a life we can learn. [Final Chorus] Goodbye to the people I could have been, I’ll carry your courage, not the might-have-beens. One pair of hands, one life to begin— I’m giving this version a chance to get in. Goodbye, not because you weren’t worthy; Goodbye, I’m here—let this life be worthy.
